Vase Catalog Number: London D 7

Decoration:

On the left is a spring indicated by a bunch of tall, growing reeds; behind the reeds on the right rises a large serpent. With its body in one large coil, it draws back its head as if to strike. From its open jaws issue flames and smoke, partly concealing the reeds. The hunter stands opposite, wearing a skin tied about his neck and a tall conical fur cap. He has a stubbly beard and his lips part as if in surprise. Over his left shoulder he carries a short hunter's club. As he moves away to the left, he glances to the right, raising his right hand as if to hurl a rock at the snake. Further left the lower part of young girl in a chiton is visible. She seems to have fallen on her knees while fleeing. Beside her on the right is the outstretched arm of another figure, the remainder of whose body is missing. L. Burn has recently suggested an identification with Eurydice and Aristaios.

The surface is covered with a white slip, on which the design is drawn in brown outline within a tondo, described by a thin brown circle. The flames from the serpent's mouth are rendered in a thick added white pigment.

Collection History:

Found in a grave in Athens together with cups London D 5 and London D 6, phialai London D 8 and Boston 98.886, two mastoi London D 9 and London D 10, and stemless cups Brussels A 891 and Brussels A 890.

Shape Description:

delicate make

Sources Used:

Smith 1896, 392; Murray & Smith 1896, pl. 18, b; Pfuhl 1923 pl. 200, no. 528; Robertson 1992, 10-11, fig. 3

Other Bibliography:

Frîhner von Branteghem Collection, no. 165, pl. 40; H. Hoffmann, "Aletheia: the iconography of death/rebirth in three cups by the Sotades Painter," Res 17-18 (1989) 67-88; L. Burn, "Honey Pots: Three White-ground Cups by the Sotades Painter,"Antike Kunst 28 (1985) 93-105; A. Griffiths, "'What Leaf-Fringed Legend...?' A Cup by the Sotades Painter," JHS 106 (1986) 58-70

(Susan H. Allen)